Agricultural pump set load increases by 25-50%, other categories by 18% under rain deficit in Karnataka

Due to the failure of monsoon from June to September, farmers have been forced to use pump sets for a long time to protect crops, says Gaurav Gupta, Additional Principal Secretary, Power Department. | Photo credit: File photo

With the El Nino climate pattern causing deficit rainfall, electricity consumption by irrigation pumps (IP) increased by 25% to 50% in September and October 2026 compared to the corresponding period last year when Karnataka was hit by good rainfall.

According to sources in the power department, Karnataka’s average daily electricity consumption rose to 349-362 million units (MU) in the first two weeks of October 2026, surpassing the record of 340 MU recorded in September.

Speaking to The Hindu, Additional Principal Secretary, Power Department, Gaurav Gupta said, “The load and demand for electricity has increased across various categories, including households, commerce, industry and agriculture. All this due to the monsoon from June to September, farmers have been forced to use pump sets round the clock to protect their crops. Another reason has been the increase in cold load in the room, which means that the cooling air has to be kept at such a level that the air in the room kept at a cooling level. a stable level of temperature and humidity.”

El Nino impact

Total number of agricultural pumping sets: 39 thousand

IP load increased by 50% in September and October.

Domestic, industrial, commercial electricity category up 18%

Electricity demand went from a record 340 MU in September to 349-362 MU in the first two weeks of October

Estimated summer peak demand: 21,000 MW

Last year’s summer demand: 18,650 MW

The warmer temperatures also led to people using fans and air conditioners for long periods of time. As a result, sources pointed out that electricity load in the domestic, commercial and industrial categories increased by 18%. In September 2026, the demand for electricity increased by almost a third against the demand in September 2025.

Mr. Gupta also pointed out that wind power has drastically reduced from an average of 2500-3000 MW during monsoon to 400-600 MW. This situation led to several power outages in the state last month.

However, Mr. Gupta noted that the rains in the last few days of October have eased the power demand in Karnataka. He said, “Due to the rains, farmers may not use pump sets for cultivation purposes. The use of fans and air conditioners may also see a steep decline. Overall, demand has come down due to the rains since October 11, the continuous Dasara holiday, when most factories and offices were closed.”

Accordingly, data from the State Load Dispatch (SLDC) also showed a decline in electricity demand. On October 20, the average recorded demand was 277.92 MU and on October 21, 284.98 MU.

Published – 23 October 2026 19:00 IST